Feast of St. Matthias

The Acts of the Apostles leaves us a record of the process in which a successor was chosen to fill up the vacancy left by Judas. The first believers were mostly Jews. They saw themselves the successors to the Old Covenant. They were the New Israel. Therefore, it was natural for them to keep the number Twelve intact. Jesus had chosen the Twelve. Now that Judas had committed suicide, his vacancy had to be filled up. There had to be twelve new Patriarchs to lead the 12 tribes of the New Israel. With the expansion of the Church to include more Samaritans and Gentiles, twelve apostles were obviously not enough. Therefore, more people became apostles (Acts 13).
The primacy of Peter had long been established even during Jesus' life time. It was he who raised the issue of finding a successor to the 120 believers Jesus had gathered after his resurrection (Acts 1:15). Peter then defined the criteria for such a candidate (Acts 1:21). Out of the 120, there were 2 qualified candidates. They were Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias (Acts 1:23). After saying a prayer, they cast lots and Matthias was chosen (Acts 1:24-26). According to Jewish customs, casting lots was a legitimate way to seek God's will. The early church did not vote, but cast lots to decide whom to fill up the post. This was a smart move, avoiding a fatal schism when solidarity was most crucial for the survival of this tiny group of followers. Nowadays, Popes are elected through voting among the cardinals gathered inside the Sistine Chapel. I have no idea why casting lots is no longer in use.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you (John 15:16).
This is true, not only for Matthias but also for all of us. Jesus chooses us to be his followers. It is our honour. Like Matthias, we might not have been chosen in the first place. Nevertheless, we have been chosen now. So, let us lead a life compatible with this call, loving each other just as Christ has loved us and died for us.

My Advocate, without Your help, we are not able to confess Jesus our Lord. Guide us when we lose our way. Strengthen us when we are weary.
Our Lady, be our Perpetual Help. Amen.